Las Catalinas, Guanacaste Travel Guide

Discover Las Catalinas: A unique Costa Rican beach town with car-free streets, stunning nature, and a focus on sustainable living.

Las Catalinas is a newly constructed, car-free beach town on Costa Rica's Guanacaste coast, emphasizing health, sustainability, and a balanced lifestyle. With stunning architecture inspired by Latin American and Mediterranean towns, it offers a unique pedestrian-friendly experience with access to pristine beaches, hiking and biking trails, and various water activities.

A brief summary to Las Catalinas

Las Catalinas, Guanacaste Province, CR

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Las Catalinas.

Explore the diverse hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs, for stunning views of the coastline and tropical dry forest.
Rent a kayak or paddleboard at Playa Danta and explore the calm waters and rocky outcrops along the coast.
Visit during the shoulder season (November-December or April-May) for lush scenery and pleasant temperatures.
Take advantage of the town's walkability and explore the charming streets, shops, and restaurants on foot.

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Explore Las Catalinas on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Las Catalinas, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

If arriving from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, the drive to Las Catalinas is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. Take Highway 21 and head west towards the coast. Parking is available in a designated area outside of town. From there, the town is easily explored on foot.
Shuttle

Private shuttle services are available from both LIR and Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José. Shuttles offer a convenient and comfortable option for reaching Las Catalinas. Prices from LIR range from $115 to $125, while prices from SJO range from $295 to $330. The journey from SJO takes approximately 4-5 hours.
Public Transport

From Tamarindo, take the bus to Flamingo. Transportes La Pampa operates this bus twice daily, and tickets cost $1–2. The journey takes approximately 44 minutes. From Flamingo, you can take a taxi to Las Catalinas. This should cost between $14 and $18, and take approximately 10 minutes.

Discover more about Las Catalinas

Las Catalinas, nestled in the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica, is a unique coastal town founded in 2006 with a vision of creating a walkable, car-free community that harmonizes with nature. Inspired by the principles of New Urbanism and the architectural styles of colonial Latin American and Mediterranean towns, Las Catalinas offers a refreshing alternative to typical tourist destinations.The town is situated amidst 1,000 acres of tropical dry forest, providing a stunning natural backdrop for its homes, shops, restaurants, and small hotels. The absence of motorized vehicles encourages exploration on foot, fostering a strong sense of community and tranquility.Playa Danta is the main beach, popular for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and boogie boarding. For those seeking adventure, Las Catalinas boasts an extensive network of hiking and mountain biking trails with breathtaking coastline views and opportunities to spot local wildlife. The town also hosts annual triathlon and open water competitions.With its commitment to sustainability, community, and the Costa Rican concept of "pura vida," Las Catalinas offers a distinctive and enriching experience for visitors seeking a blend of relaxation, adventure, and connection with nature.